(KRON) — The green and white stickers are an attractive perk for anyone buying an electric hybrid vehicle — the special DMV stickers allows drivers to use the fast lane by themselves.
They were given by the state for those who purchased low or no emissions vehicles.
Now, state officials say all those cars are starting to clog up the commuter lanes and their time is up on Jan. 1 — but there are some loopholes for those who qualify.
Vehicles that were issued a green or white decal between Jan. 1 – March 1, 2017 are eligible to apply for a ‘red’ decal that grants access to HOV lanes for three more years.
The DMV said they notified these eligible customers by mail and will issue light purple decals in the new year that will let drivers use the HOV lanes until 2023.
With days away from the new year, KRON4 saw green and white stickers cruising down the streets, but one vehicle is following the rules with a red sticker.
The penalty if you don’t switch to a red sticker and are caught using the carpool lane — is a fine close upwards of $500.